Shiva and Hanumana temple, Vagholi

Besides the Vāgheśvara temple, two more noteworthy temples at Vagholi were constructed during the early 18th century CE. One is a composite temple dedicated to Śiva and Hanumāna (18.584716, 73.982134), and the other is dedicated to Rāma (18.584252, 73.982048). Both of these temples are adjacent and are located near the northern gate of Vagholi town. A composite temple dedicated to Śiva and Hanumāna is a rare case. Its construction is noteworthy. To the north is the Śiva temple, and to the south is the Hanumāna temple, and these two temples are joined with one wall.

Temples of Śiva and Hanumāna

Śiva Temple: The Śiva temple is smaller compared to the Hanumāna temple and it featuring a garbhagṛha and nandīmaṇḍapa. The garbhagṛha measuring 3.39 x 3.44 meters, contains a śivaliṇga and five aedicules, and nandīmaṇḍapa measures 1.70 x 1.68 meters.  A stepped well is opposite the Śiva temple, beyond the fortified wall. It was constructed on the 18th of August, 1768 CE. One comes across a stone inscription on the viewer’s left hand while entering the stepped well (Bārava). Reading of inscription:

• श्री गणेशाय नमः शके १६९० सर्वधारि
• नाम संवत्सरे श्रावण शुध ५ पंच
• मी

The ground plan of Śiva and Hanumāna temple.

Hanumāna Temple: The Hanumāna temple is simpler, and the Hanumāna idol is installed in a maṇḍapa-like room. Hanumāna is depicted as resting one hand on his waist. Hanumāna temple is 4.23 x 4.26 meters. Śiva and Hanumān temples have two superstructures. Two hero stones are kept near a tree before the Hanumāna temple. Of them, one hero stone is of sarvatobhadra type, i.e., a stone slab on which the exploits of the deceased hero are carved on all four sides. In this hero stone, two horse riders are depicted fighting each other. The other hero stone is oversized in height and divided into four panels. The hero is depicted fighting with two enemies. From the sculpting style, it can be stated that it belongs to the time before the advent of the Maratha period. This leads us to understand that Vagholi town existed before the 17th century CE.

Hero stones.

Additional Information: There is also Rāma temple located opposite the Hanumāna temple. The Rāma temple has recently been renovated hence only the garbhagṛha belongs to the Marāṭhā period, and the rest of the construction is modern now. According to the locals, the temple was preceded by a wooden maṇḍapa earlier. Besides these temples, there are temples dedicated to Bhairavnātha, Śātalā Devī, Gaṇapatī and Dattātreya, etc. Overall, the town of Vagholi prospered as an important cultural center in the 18th century CE.